Can a petrol pump temporarily malfunction and provide the wrong fuel?

Some 18 months ago I filled my car at my usual Tesco petrol filling station using the diesel pump and getting a receipt for diesel. After about 800 yards the car started to misfire and a breakdown service was called who diagnosed fuel contamination (i.e there was petrol in the tank). The car was repaired at a cost of £4,500, most of which was paid by my insurers but Tesco have continued to deny liability and I am in the process of taking them to court. They maintain that as nobody else has complained it cannot be the diesel tank or the pump. Do you have any experience of a petrol pump temporarily malfunctioning and dispensing the wrong fuel?

Asked on 12 January 2012 by MG. via email

Answered by Honest John
You case is clear-cut. You used a diesel pump. You have a receipt for diesel. But what you got was petrol and this severely damaged your car. Tesco's arguments fail because you have a receipt for diesel and you got petrol. You will win and Tesco knows you will win. They will throw in the towel before your case gets to court.
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